NWSL and Fox Sports Media Group Announce 2013 National TV Schedule

MORRISTOWN, NJ (June 13, 2013) - The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) announced today the 2013 national TV schedule with FOX Sports Media Group to offer exclusive live coverage of nine matches, featuring six regular-season matches and all three playoff matches, which include the two semifinal games on August 24 and the championship game on August 31.

FOX Soccer is set to televise one game per week over the final six weeks of the season with each club appearing at least once on national television, leading up to the NWSL Playoffs.

Beginning on July 14 at 8:30 PM ET, FOX Soccer launches its national coverage with an East vs. West matchup between the Seattle Reign FC and Washington Spirit. Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo look to propel the Reign up the standings as they take on Canadian international Diana Matheson and fellow U.S. teammates Lori Lindsey, Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris at Starfire Stadium. The two teams square-off again in a rematch on August 10 at the Maryland SoccerPlex, also live on FOX Soccer at 7:00 PM ET.

Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd of the Western New York Flash face an early test to defend their championship mettle on July 21 at 1:30 PM ET against Sky Blue FC's solid backline of U.S. National Team captain Christie Rampone. Then on August 17 at 8:00 PM ET, Wambach and co. battle against the Boston Breakers and fellow national team members Sydney Leroux and Heather O'Reilly in a final season push before the semifinal playoffs begin one week later on August 24 at 2:00 PM ET.

Star forwards Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair have combined forces to give the Portland Thorns one of the most potent attacks in the league. The Chicago Red Stars, led by Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod and U.S. midfielder Shannon Boxx, have their work cut out for them at JELD-WEN Field, airing live on July 28 at 7:00 PM ET.

Portland, backed by one of the most passionate women's soccer fan bases in the country, returns to the national spotlight a week later to host FC Kansas City on August 4 at 8:30 PM ET in a marquee matchup between two of the top NWSL teams.